Google has launched yet another major search engine algorithm Core Update, which will roll out through November 2023, following recent updates in September and October.
These Core Updates to the search engine are designed to improve the accuracy, relevance and quality of the web page results shown for search queries.
The Potential Impact of this Core Update
Core Updates can lead to fluctuations in website rankings, with some sites experiencing significant changes while others remain unaffected. Google has stated:
“We have different systems that are considered core to our ranking process; this month’s Core Update (November) involves an improvement to a different core system than last month; however, our guidance about Core Updates is the same for both.”
So, what happened in September and October?
Core Update in September 2023:
The September 2023 update aimed specifically at “helpful content” and particularly:
- There is new guidance regarding third-party content and what to do after the helpful content update. Note: you may not need to do anything, or as a minimum, consider a content audit assessment.
- New advice on creating helpful, reliable and, most importantly, people-first content.
- Google guidance documentation has removed the phrase “written by people” and replaced it with “helpful content created for people in search results.”
Core Update in October 2023:
The October 2023 update is aimed at evaluating ALL content types. This will not penalise sites. However, it will reward high-quality content pages.
Key factors to consider for your website/content are:
- Page load speed
- Mobile-friendly design and navigation
- User-friendly navigation
- An engaging user experience
Previous articles by the Inside Hospitality Solutions marketing team discussed the need for E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) within your website.
Google values E-E-A-T in specific industry sectors that demonstrate your credibility.
What should you do now?
- Check if your ranking positions have moved significantly.
- Analyse position changes and, where possible, identify all potential areas for improvement.
- Ask yourself if you provide quality content to your website visitors.
- Google will favour websites that consistently provide helpful information to users.
- Ensure you deliver informative, educative and valued content in all formats.
- What about AI-generated content?
- ChatGPT and other AI programs can assist with creating content, but you must edit the results to personalize your website/brand’s tone of voice and your target audience.
- Is your site visible on local/national/target keyword searches?
- Check your own visibility!
- Is your site mobile-friendly?
- Google operates a Mobile First policy for website indexing. Make sure your site is optimised to be mobile-friendly.
- Do you regularly review your website’s security and health?
- Check your website for technical errors: broken links, missing image names, anchor text links, 404 Not Found pages and more.
- Undertake a technical audit.
Of course, the best course of action is to undertake a website and content audit review. And the team at Inside Hospitality Solutions can help with this. Get in touch through our Contact Form or email Yuri Duncan directly at yuri@insidehs.com.
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